Top 7 Best Post Hole Digger For your Garden Needs

Last Updated on March 20, 2022 by woodcutter

Before the introduction of power tools, gardeners, landscapers, and hobbyists used crude manual tools to drill holes for erecting posts or planting trees. While the manual tools got the job done, they were time-consuming and strenuous to use.

With advances in technology, tool makers innovated electric and gas-powered post hole diggers. These modern pieces of equipment made hole drilling an easy, and less time-consuming task. 

However, each year, the design and output capabilities of these tools continue to evolve. Companies keep releasing new models, and new manufacturers with better tool-making abilities keep popping up.

The vast array of post hole diggers offered in the market makes it hard to choose the best post hole digger from substandard competitors. The encounter is more complicated for first-time buyers and those who don’t have a particular model in mind. 

If you have been battling the challenges above, keep reading through this handy product review. We have scrutinized 7 of the post hole digger reviews which the market has to offer. The review would help you save the money you could have invested in an inferior model.

Top post hole diggers reviews to try out

Southland SEA438 Post Hole Digger for for rocky soil

Southland SEA438 is a one-person earth auger with a robust “full” crankshaft engine. With such power, you can drill through compact and rocky soils with minimal physical effort. Despite having a powerful engine, it has a fair price point than any other post hole diggers of the same class.

Useful design queues give this machine comfortable operational ergonomics. The controls are simple, allowing you to use them intuitively. Its 43cc 2-stroke engine delivers 316 RPM to let you complete moderate to hard drilling projects quickly.

The unit’s fuel delivery system uses a manual recoil configuration that makes the machine easy to start and stop. Its 32-gallon fuel tank carries enough gasoline to keep you working for a reasonable period before you pause to refuel.

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Large butterfly handles featured on the device make it easy for one or two people to operate the post hole digger. The butterfly handles have thick and durable foam grips that enhance comfort and moderate excessive vibrations. You can detach the handles whenever you want to store your machine or transport it.

Southland post hole digger’s components are designed from cast metal, an easy to clean ore that can endure wear from regular use for a prolonged period. Moreover, cast metal is resilient to oxidization and rusting.

Some customers complain that the engine is fragile. However, if you use and maintain this top rated poste hole digger as the manufacturer recommends, the engine will work at optimal levels, and it will serve you for a reasonable period.

The Southland SEA438 comes in separate parts that require some assembly. The process might be cumbersome, but its handy manual and user guide would walk you through the assembling process. In fact, you can unbox and assemble it in less than an hour.

XtremepowerUS V-Type 55CC Post Hole Digger for rocky soil

This lightweight, yet sturdy machine features a two-stroke 55cc engine that can handle a variety of hole digging tasks. A unique aspect of this machine is its conformity to many auger bits with ¾-inch shaft size.

A manual recoil system makes the engine easy to start. All you need is a quick pull on the start action to get it revving. The fuel tank is translucent, which makes it easy to monitor fuel consumption. 

The 2.3 horsepower gasoline engine inducts air forcefully to protect it from over-heating. That is why you can dig up to 4 feet into the ground with less physical effort. You will also be delighted to learn that it can dig through rocky soil with minimal issues.

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The handlebar has all the controls that you would need to operate your best post hole digger with great convenience. It has an easy to grip throttle and switch commands to regulate your machine’s speed and power. 

The unit weighs 25 pounds, a lightweight profile that makes it easy to transport.  Moreover, the lightweight saves your muscles from the unnecessary strain, which could result when using the earth auger for a prolonged period.

Its 6-inch auger bit makes it a suitable option for most light to moderate hole drilling tasks. You can use it to dig up holes for fencing, planting trees and shrubbery, erecting posts for your clothesline, or setting up a mailbox.

Despite its high price point, the gas powered earth auger delivers a reasonable value for money spent. From sturdy materials to an effective power delivery system, there is no question on its money-quality value. What’s more, this best post hole digger for rocky soil comes with a limited time warranty.

XtremepowerUS 1-Person V-Type Digger with 8’’ auger bits

XtremepowerUS V-type one-person drill fitted with an 8″ auger bit is a sure bet for every buck spent. It is an all-round, heavy-duty workhorse capable of drilling through loose and compact soils. Additionally, it comes with a 60-month warranty.

Its powerful 2-stroke engine delivers an excellent output to let you complete your hole drilling tasks within the shortest time possible. Into the bargain, its 36 inches long and 8 inches thick auger bit drills through all types of soil in a fraction of the time.

XtremepowerUS one-person drill has innovative fantail points on its cutting blade. The fantails, coupled with flex coils, absorb shock, and they enhance stability while drilling tasks. The engine’s recoil ignition system makes starting the machine a piece of cake.

A translucent fuel tank lets you keep an eye on fuel consumption while engaged in your hole drilling project. So, your best post hole digger would not run out of gas while in the middle of your project.

For convenience purposes, XtremepowerUS one-person drill uses an effective air-cooling system to shield its powerhead from overheating and stalling. Its controls are on the handlebar, a feature that lets you control its drilling power effectively.

This unit is also light and easy to assemble or disassemble. Such factors greatly enhance the space economy, which is an advantage if you have limited storage space. At just 25 pounds, it is less strenuous to operate regardless of the user’s physical strength.

This model is a bit pricey, but it delivers excellent value for each dollar spent. High fuel economy and sturdy built quality are a guarantee when you opt for this unit. Its replacement parts are widely available, and it comes with a limited warranty.

ECO LLC 52cc Post Digger 10’’ Set

Next on the list, we have the ECO LLC 52cc Gas Powered 2.4HP Post Hole Digger. This little beauty is the best on the list for drilling holes into hardpan and rocky soil. This model comes with a 55 cc engine with an output of 2.4 horsepower.

Such an enhanced power output allows the ECO to achieve an impressive 7500 RPM. Unlike most units on the list, this model features self-sharpening steel, a feature that would save you the time and money you could have used in maintenance.

Its engine uses a manual recoil system to enhance fuel economy, as well as let you start or stop your unit smoothly. A sturdy steel frame and handlebar protect the operator and engine against injury and damage, respectively.

Into the bargain, the handles have foam grips to keep your hands comfortable, as well as minimize the intensity of vibrations emanating from the post hole digger’s powerful gasoline engine. You can operate it without gloves.

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Its detachable shafts and butterfly handles enhance the unit’s portability. Moreover, the removable parts let you disassemble your unit to a compact profile that would consume less storage space.

Another useful feature on this model is that you will need less than half an hour to assemble the components. The only major drawback to such a setup is it ships in 2 packages, which may separate in transit.

Weighing 56 pounds, the unit can overwhelm your muscles if you intend to use for prolonged hole drilling sessions. As such, it might be ideal for seniors and any other person with less physical energy.

Tool Tuff Hand-Held Gas Powered Post Hole Digger

Every aspect of the Tool Tuff Hand-held post hole digger has the final consumer in mind. This drill is built to last, and it operates with reasonable efficiency. Each feature minimizes the strain users would experience. 

This model comes fitted with an ultra-powerful 63cc engine that produces three horsepower output. The powerful engine output makes the earth auger an efficient solution for large commercial or domestic hole drilling projects.

The gas-powered earth auger requires a 2-man crew to handle the machine as stably and effectively as possible. You will need more workforce if you intend to use the tool on stubborn hardpans.

The unit has a fuel primer bulb, a handy extra that lets you start and stop your machine quickly and effortlessly.

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A double reduction gearbox lightens the unit without compromising the output. All the materials used in this model are of high quality and durable. The durable materials increase your unit’s life expectancy.

You can operate the machine safely for tree planting, cutting ice holes, general construction, plumbing, and on many other tasks. You also get to enjoy a broader range of auger compatibility. The ¾-inch mounting shaft has a 3/8 inch attachment, and it comes with a default auger of 12 inches.

The maximum capacity of the fuel tank is 1.4 L of fuel, and the recommended fuel to oil ration is 40:1. With this ratio, you can achieve a maximum auger rotation of 183 RPM. Like most of the units featured here, this one has a simple pull cord that you use to get the unit revving.

ECO LLC 52cc Post Digger with 6’’ And 10’’ auger bit

ECO LLC 52cc Post Digger comes with a gas-powered 2.4 Horsepower engine to deliver enough drilling power for light to heavy hole drilling projects. It is an ideal mate for drilling holes for erecting a fence or planting trees. 

Different from its compatriot featured on this list, ECO LLC 52cc post hole digger comes equipped with a six and 10-inch auger bits. This saves the money you would have used on purchasing extra augers bits, and it gives you the freedom to use the right auger bit for every unique task. 

Assembly and disassembly are easy. So, you can switch between the 6″ and 10″ bits with minimal effort using basic tools. Such ease of use makes this set ideal for various construction and gardening projects. A simple pull to start system means that you can get the machine to a revving start as soon as you assemble.

The gasoline engine also boasts of an impressive 7500-RPM capability. With such an output, you can make mince of even the most stubborn of compacted earth. You will also endure less maintenance on the cutting edges of the bits as they are self-sharpening.

The gas-powered post hole digger has detachable fly handles. You can remove the handles whenever you wish to store your unit in a cramped room, or when you are transporting it. Each handle has foamy grips to keep your palms comfortable.

Overall, you get a very high value for money despite the high price point. The manufacturer covers this investment’s parts with a limited warranty. So, if your unit breaks down,  the manufacturer’s technicians will help you fix them free of charge.

Landworks Heavy Duty Earth Auger with 6″ auger

Last on the list is the battery-powered Landworks heavy Duty earth auger. Unlike its gas-powered rivals, this unit uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It is an ideal fit for those who wish to avoid the toxic fumes released by gasoline-powered engines.

You can dig up to 30 holes on a single full charge. Such a feat is hard for most units in the same class and even some on the list. However, it is not ideal for those looking to drill several holes at a time.

 Weighing 35 pounds, this best post hole digger might be cumbersome for seniors, people living with chronic illnesses, and people with less physical energy. However, such a weight maximizes its overall operational stability.

Its sturdy steel construction makes it tough enough to survive the wear and tear that could result from regular use. Moreover, the steel frame is resistant to corrosion, one of the major causes of accelerated wear.

Landworks heavy duty earth auger uses a 2.01 brushless motor that generates 320 RPM. Such an output provides enough drilling power to drill through loose and relatively compact soils. It might not be ideal for use on rocky grounds. In fact, some gardeners who have tried this unit say that their unit could not drill through densely compact soils.

Assembly is easy and almost intuitive since it has fewer parts than its gas-powered competitors. Therefore, if you dislike hard to assemble post hole diggers, we would suggest that you invest in Landworks’ heavy-duty auger.

This top post hole digger comes equipped with reverse controls, a feature that you can only find in high-end gas-powered earth augers. The feature comes in handy when pulling the machine from the soil. 

This Landworks model also comes fitted with an LED surface light to maximize visibility when digging.

Which Post Hole Digger Should You Buy?